Schlotterbeck: Dortmund set their price tag for United target after U-turn

Borussia Dortmund have slapped a €30–35 million valuation on Nico Schlotterbeck after the Germany centre-back put contract talks on ice, opening the door for Manchester United to pounce this summer.

Only months ago the 26-year-old appeared ready to extend his stay at the Westfalenstadion, with German outlets reporting that a renewal was “nearly finalized.” But the exit of sporting director Sebastian Kehl has stalled negotiations, and Schlotterbeck now concedes that discussions are far from advanced.

Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that Dortmund suspect Premier League interest—specifically from United and Liverpool—has triggered the abrupt about-face. With Schlotterbeck entering the final 12 months of his current deal, the Bundesliga club have scheduled fresh meetings between the defender’s representatives and newly appointed sporting director Oli Book. Top of the agenda: a potential release clause that would allow a summer exit for the €30–35 million fee.

United, long-term admirers of the left-footed stopper, are expected to lead the queue. Erik ten Hag’s side are bracing for life after Harry Maguire, whose contract situation remains unresolved, while Lisandro Martínez’s ongoing fitness issues and the rawness of teenagers Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have left the club light at centre-half.

Schlotterbeck’s pedigree fits the profile Old Trafford chiefs are pursuing. A commanding presence in the Dortmund back line, he marries aerial dominance with elite ball progression—ranking among Europe’s most assured carriers and passers from deep. Leadership credentials honed in the Bundesliga add further appeal as United look to solidify a defence that shipped 58 league goals last term.

For Dortmund, the coming weeks are critical. Cash-strapped after missing out on the Champions League final, they must decide whether to cash in now or risk losing their defensive lynchpin on a free in 2025. Schlotterbeck, for his part, appears content to let the saga play out, knowing the ball is firmly in his court.